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The Great Dames Giving Circle Presents

2026 Remarkable Ideas Grant Application


Girls Matter: Raising Remarkable Girls

Because the future depends on her



$25,000 Grant Award Package


 

OVERVIEW & DETAILS


The 2026 Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Grant Program invites women-led nonprofits to showcase their bold ideas and impactful work on behalf of girls.


This year's theme, Girls Matter: Raising Remarkable Girls, recognizes organizations that help girls build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and belief in themselves.


This annual award connects changemakers with funding, mentorship, and the Great Dames community to help them expand their impact and create brighter futures for girls.


A $10,000 cash award and a business services package valued at more than $15,000 (total value of award: $25,000) will be awarded to a nonprofit selected by members of the Great Dames Giving Circle.

Key Dates:


  • Open for Applications: July 1, 2026
  • Application Deadline: August 12, 2026
  • Virtual Pitch Event: September 29, 2026
  • Grant Award Celebration: November 5, 2026

What We’re Looking For:



  • Women-led nonprofit organizations with annual revenues of <$1 million
  • Programs and initiatives that positively impact girls and young women
  • Innovative approaches that help girls thrive, lead, learn, grow, and succeed
  • Demonstrated evidence of meaningful and measurable impact
  • Organizations that can share the voice and experience of a girl whose life has been positively influenced by their work


Note: Past recipients of the top Remarkable Ideas Grant are not eligible to receive the top award again for three grant periods.

Why Apply?


  • $25,000 Winner Package (inclusive of the following):
  • $10,000 cash award
  • Access to business mentors
  • Portfolio of professional services (marketing, branding, executive coaching, and more)
  • Opportunity to showcase your organization's impact before the Great Dames community
  • Recognition and exposure through Great Dames programs and communications
  • Celebration and announcement of grant recipient(s) at our November 5 event

How to Apply


  1. Submit your application by August 12, 2026
  2. Finalists will be invited to present at the September 29 Virtual Pitch Event
  3. Grant recipient(s) will be announced at our November 5 Grant Announcement Celebration


At Great Dames, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, realize her potential, and create a future filled with possibility.



If your organization is helping raise remarkable girls, we want to hear from you.

APPLICATION


*All Questions Required:
* Organization Name (NPO EIN Number; confirm 501(c)(3) status); provide a link to your most recent Form 990 or annual report):
0/500
* Website and Social Media sites (if applicable):
0/500
* Contact Name:
0/50
* Email:
0/50
* Cell Phone:
0/50
* Organization Address:
0/250

About Your Organization
* Mission Statement
0/500
Additional space to continue mission statement
0/500
* Brief Description of Your Remarkable Work: Tell us who you serve and how.
0/500
Additional space to continue telling us who you serve and how.
0/500
* What is your organization's annual operating budget?
0/250

Impact
* Describe the impact your organization is having on girls. Share a specific example of how a girl or group of girls has benefited from your work.
0/500
Additional space to continue describing your impact.
0/500
* Describe how your organization would use the grant and resources awarded by Great Dames.
0/500
Additional space if needed
0/500

Final Round (if selected as a finalist)


Finalists will be invited to participate in the Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Virtual Pitch Event on September 29, 2026.


As part of your presentation, finalists must include the voice of a girl, young woman, participant, parent, or family member whose life has been positively impacted by your organization. This individual will participate live during the presentation to share a brief personal perspective on the difference your work has made in their life. Video recordings will not be permitted.


Hearing directly from those you serve helps our judges and Giving Circle members better understand the real-world impact of your organization and the importance of your mission.


Grant recipients will be announced at the November 5, 2026 Grant Announcement Celebration, a special event honoring the women-led organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of girls.


Because finalists are an important part of this celebration, a senior leader (preferably the presenter) from each finalist organization is required to attend the event in person. The event will be held in the Philadelphia/Wilmington, DE area--location details provided in advance.


Submission Instructions


DEADLINE to Apply: August 12, 2026


Submit Application
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